Neck hernia is the name given to the deterioration of the cushions in the cartilage structure called the disc between the neck vertebrae.
If this corrupted disk; If it presses on the nerves coming out of the spinal cord, then symptoms such as numbness and pain due to nerve compression are added to the complaints.

How does neck hernia occur?

Neck hernia is caused by the aging of the neck vertebrae and the wear of the discs that serve as a cushion between these bones.
Professionally; Workers using vibrating work machines, those carrying heavy loads, those who work in a bent position for a long time, and those who work at desks.
Those who had a traffic accident ( whiplash injury )
People who use mobile phones, tablets, laptops with their neck bent forward for a long time

What are neck hernia complaints?

The most common complaint is neck pain, pain may increase with neck movements, so the person does not want to move his neck.
There may be pain, numbness, burning, tingling, loss of strength in the muscles of the arm or hand, which radiates from the neck to the arm and hand.

How is neck hernia diagnosed?

The physician, who suspects the patient's complaints and examination findings, asks the patient for an MRI of the spine and neck, and the diagnosis is made in this way. MRI scans us; It shows at what level the hernia is, at what level it is, and whether it is pressing on the nerves.

How is neck hernia treatment decided?

Regulation of neck hernia treatment; It is performed according to whether there is nerve compression due to neck hernia, and whether there is a neurologic examination due to nerve compression. Sometimes, even if there is nerve compression, the patient may not find any signs in the examination. In such cases, the physician may want to obtain more detailed information by requesting an EMG examination.
According to the EMG result; drug therapy, physical therapy may be recommended, as well as the decision of surgery.

Is surgery absolutely necessary in neck hernia?

The level of neck hernia is decided according to the patient's complaints and examination findings. There are people who continue their lives without neck hernia surgery for years. Whether the neck hernia progresses at certain intervals; Examination findings and follow-up with spine and neck MR imaging are recommended.